Set in a postapocalyptic world, this tale of courage, sacrifice, and heroism takes place against the backdrop of an age of steam and rational humanism, where the social elite have rejected religion and spiritualism as nothing more than quaint superstition. Brutal Vampire Clans rule half the world, keeping human herds for food, and Princess Adele, heir to the throne of Equatoria, is faced with grim choices. War is imminent and her marriage to the odious Senator Clark of America will cement an alliance uniting the Equatorian Empire and the American Republic.

The Kingmakers: Vampire Empire Book 3

The epic Vampire Empire trilogy rushes to a heart-wrenching conclusion of honor and love, hatred and vengeance, sacrifice and loss. A war to the death. Empress Adele has launched a grand crusade against the vampire clans of the north. Prince Gareth, the vampire lord of Scotland, serves the Equatorian cause, fighting in the bloody trenches of France in his guise as the dashing Greyfriar. But the human armies are pinned down, battered by harsh weather and merciless attacks from vampire packs.

Vampire Empire - The Greyfriar

1870. A time known as The Great Killing. The vampire clans arose and slaughtered humanity with unprecedented carnage in the northern parts of the world. Millions perished; millions were turned into herd animals. The great industrialized civilizations of the world were left in ruin. A remnant fled south to the safety of the ever present heat which was intolerable to vampires. There, blending with the local peoples, they rebuilt their societies founded on human ingenuity, steam and iron.

Working for Bigfoot

Chicago wizard-for-hire Harry Dresden is used to mysterious clients with long hair and legs up to here. But when it turns out the long hair covers every square inch of his latest client's body, and the legs contribute to a nine-foot height, even the redoubtable detective realizes he's treading new ground. Strength of a River in His Shoulders is one of the legendary forest people, a bigfoot, and he has a problem that only Harry can solve. His son, Irwin, is a scion, the child of a supernatural creature and a human.

Ghost Story: A Novel of the Dresden Files

When an unknown someone shoots him and leaves him to die, Harry Dresden hopes he might be heading to a better place. Unfortunately being dead doesn't make Harry's life any easier. Trapped between life and death, he learns that his friends are in serious trouble. Only by finding his murderer can he save his friends and move on - a feat that would be a lot easier if he had a body and access to his powers. Worse still are the malevolent shadows that roam Chicago, controlled by a dark entity that wants Harry to suffer even in death.

The Undying Legion: Crown & Key

When monster-hunter Malcolm MacFarlane comes across the gruesome aftermath of a ritual murder in a London church, he enlists the help of magician-scribe Simon Archer and alchemist extraordinaire Kate Anstruther. Studying the macabre scene, they struggle to understand obscure clues in the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics carved into the victim's heart - as well as bizarre mystical allusions to the romantic poetry of William Blake. One thing is clear: Some very potent black magic is at work.

The Conquering Dark: Crown & Key

A thrilling new Victorian-era urban fantasy for fans of Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicles, the Showtime series Penny Dreadful, and the Sherlock Holmes movies featuring Robert Downey, Jr.The Crown and Key Society face their most terrifying villain yet: Gaios, a deranged demigod with the power to destroy Britain. To avenge a centuries-old betrayal, Gaios is hell-bent on summoning the elemental forces of the Earth to level London and bury Britain.

The Shadow Revolution: Crown & Key, Book 1

As fog descends, obscuring the gas lamps of Victorian London, werewolves prowl the shadows of back alleys. But they have infiltrated the inner circles of upper-crust society as well. Only a handful of specially gifted practitioners are equipped to battle the beasts.

Untamed City: Carnival of Secrets

Warriors Kaleb and Aya will stop at nothing to destroy their competition. But when Kaleb finds his fate entwined with that of Mallory, a 17-year-old human girl, he can’t seem to separate the vicious Carnival contest he’s entered from his sudden devotion to her. He and Aya may be prizefighters from the otherworldly Untamed City, but his strange, obsessive connection makes staying away from the witch-ruled human world, and Mallory, harder every day.

A Plain-Dealing Villain: Daniel Faust Volume 4

It's hard to make a dishonest buck in Sin City, especially when a rogue FBI agent is gunning for your head. Flat broke and one step ahead of the law, Daniel Faust flees Vegas and lands in Chicago, where a risky heist promises to fill his pockets with cash.

Skin Game: A Novel of the Dresden Files, Book 15

Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, is about to have a very bad day.… Because as Winter Knight to the Queen of Air and Darkness, Harry never knows what the scheming Mab might want him to do. Usually, it’s something awful. He doesn’t know the half of it… Mab has just traded Harry’s skills to pay off one of her debts. And now he must help a group of supernatural villains - led by one of Harry’s most dreaded and despised enemies, Nicodemus Archleone - to break into the highest-security vault in town, so that they can then access the highest-security vault in the Nevernever.

Occult Assassin #2: Apocalypse Soldier

At age 15, Nicole Robertson was possessed by a demonic entity. She survived this ordeal thanks to a successful exorcism. Now, eight years later, Nicole is still haunted by the experience. But the nightmare isn't over. She is about to become the target of an apocalyptic cult led by a former elite soldier with a chilling planned for her future. Only one man can save Nicole from a fate worse than death. Only one man stands between her and the apocalypse. His name is Mark Talon. And he is about to go up against his most dangerous enemy yet.

The Living End: Daniel Faust, Book 3

As the FBI closes in on the Las Vegas underworld, Daniel Faust - grifter, thief, and sorcerer - isn't the only one feeling the heat. Half-demon racket boss Nicky Agnelli is fighting to hang on to his empire, leaving a trail of dead informants in his wake, while Daniel's ex-girlfriend, Jennifer, rallies her forces on the street and aims her sights at Nicky's crown. May the best villain win.

Featuring A Prelude to War, an Iron Druid novella. After an old friend is murdered in retaliation for his mercenary strikes against the oldest vampires in the world, Atticus O'Sullivan must solicit the aid of another old friend in Ethiopia if he's going to have a chance of finishing a war he never wanted. Meanwhile Granuaile MacTiernan starts a private war of her own against Loki, the lord of lies, and if it brings Ragnarok early - so be it.

Side Jobs: Stories from the Dresden Files

Here, together for the first time, are the shorter works of best-selling author Jim Butcher - a compendium of cases that Harry and his cadre of allies managed to close in record time. The tales range from the deadly serious to the absurdly hilarious.

Dead Red: Ghosts & Magic, Volume 2

Conor Night, the world's only surviving necromancer, is used to having bad days. After all, he's spent the last few years as a minor pawn in the Game of Houses while keeping one foot planted firmly in the grave. But between the job offer he can't refuse from a wizard he doesn't trust and the appearance of a cult bent on sending him to the afterlife, his days are about to get a whole lot worse. He's used to the threat of death. Death making threats? That's new.

No Mere Zombie: Deathless, Book 2

The sun has wiped out nearly all technology in the largest coronal mass ejection in history. In its wake comes the zombie apocalypse. The dead have risen, and they are hungry. Yet there are greater threats than the walking dead. The deathless have returned, slumbering in the same Arks that carried the werewolves into the present. If they are not stopped they will build a massive necropolis in the remains of San Francisco, and the entire continent will pay the price. Only the few werewolves created before the apocalypse stand between humanity and annihilation.

Occult Assassin #1: Damnation Code

After a decade spent fighting the enemy abroad and keeping his country safe, Delta Force Operator Mark Talon is ready to settle down with the love of his life. But Talon's world crumbles when his fiancée becomes the victim of a murderous cult. The military man now has a new foe in his crosshairs, and this promises to be a very different war.

Shattered: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 7

For nearly 2,000 years, only one Druid has walked the Earth - Atticus O’Sullivan, the Iron Druid, whose sharp wit and sharp sword have kept him alive as he’s been pursued by a pantheon of hostile deities. Now he’s got company. Atticus’ apprentice, Granuaile, is at last a full Druid herself. What’s more, Atticus has defrosted an archdruid long ago frozen in time, a father figure (of sorts) who now goes by the modern equivalent of his old Irish name: Owen Kennedy. And Owen has some catching up to do.

Hunt of the Bandham: The Bowl of Souls, Book 3

Ewzad Vriil's keep has fallen and Justan has been reunited with his friends. Justan's bonds with Fist and Gwyrtha have made him stronger and faster, but the more he learns about his powers, the more questions he has. Meanwhile, the kingdom remains in turmoil. The mother of the moonrats still builds the Dark Prophet's army of monsters in the mountains, and the Battle Academy forces are weakened.

Cold Days: The Dresden Files, Book 14

After being murdered by a mystery assailant, navigating his way through the realm between life and death, and being brought back to the mortal world, Harry realizes that maybe death wasn’t all that bad - because he is no longer Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard. He is now Harry Dresden, Winter Knight to Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness. After Harry had no choice but to swear his fealty, Mab wasn’t about to let something as petty as death steal away the prize she had sought for so long.

Changes: The Dresden Files, Book 12

Long ago, Susan Rodriguez was Harry Dresden's lover-until she was attacked by his enemies, leaving her torn between her own humanity and the bloodlust of the vampiric Red Court. Susan then disappeared to South America, where she could fight both her savage gift and those who cursed her with it.Now Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court, has discovered a secret Susan has long kept, and she plans to use it-against Harry.

Dark Heir: Jane Yellowrock, Book 9

For centuries, the extremely powerful and ruthless vampire witches of the European Council have wandered the Earth, controlling governments, fostering war, creating political conflict, and often leaving absolute destruction in their wake. One of the strongest of them is set to create some havoc in the city of New Orleans, and it's definitely personal.

Turn Coat: The Dresden Files, Book 11

The Warden Morgan has been accused of treason against the Wizards of the White Council - and there's only one, final punishment for that crime. He's on the run, wants his name cleared, and needs someone with a knack for backing the underdog. Someone like Harry Dresden....

Publisher's Summary

The Rift Walker is the second installment in the Vampire Empire trilogy. Set in a postapocalyptic world, this tale of courage, sacrifice, and heroism takes place against the backdrop of an age of steam and rational humanism, where the social elite have rejected religion and spiritualism as nothing more than quaint superstition. Brutal Vampire Clans rule half the world, keeping human herds for food, and Princess Adele, heir to the throne of Equatoria, is faced with grim choices. War is imminent and her marriage to the odious Senator Clark of America will cement an alliance uniting the Equatorian Empire and the American Republic. This integration of war machines is to be the opening volley in the campaign to reclaim the Northern Hemispheres. Unfortunately, Adele’s betrothed has a bloodthirsty war strategy, one the Princess finds as repulsive as the actions of the vampires they fight.

Moments in advance of the Princess’s marriage to the Senator, the Greyfriar, legendary champion of the human resistance, rescues Adele before vampire assassins can murder her. While on the run from the agents of Prince Cesare, the acting Clan Lord of the Northern Vampires, Adele seeks to discover a way to protect her beloved Equatoria and prevent the genocide Clark intends to implement, all while trying to free herself from an unwanted marriage. Meanwhile, Cesare’s agents have struck deep at the heart of Equatoria and will stop at nothing to keep Adele from ascending to the throne.

Treachery abounds; friendship, loyalties, and allegiances are tested. Will Princess Adele be able - with the help of her beloved Greyfriar; her devoted guard and faithful officer, Anhalt; and her mentor, Mamarou - to turn the tide before human civilization is forever shattered?

Would you consider the audio edition of The Rift Walker to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print edition so I really can't compare the two.

Who was your favorite character and why?

King Misiri. He is so over the top but yet in some way very believable. He goes for the gusto. I also like the fact that he is honest in saying that if one of his daughters had done what Adele did he would be incredibly sad but would not be able to speak to her ever again.

What about James Marsters’s performance did you like?

He makes the book feel more like a movie. It is one thing to read about emotion but hearing it in his voice is so visceral, it really connects.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The connection between the two main characters is magnetic

Any additional comments?

Buzzymultimedia continues to produce quality audiobooks and their collaboration with James Marsters is simply stellar. Marsters is so talented an actor that it comes across in every book he has produced with Buzzy, and the people at Buzzy keep picking interesting material that captures one's imagination with exciting, tasteful books that are beyond compare.

Just started listening and have to say that so far it was worth the wait. James does a great performance like he always does, he give a voice to each character and makes you feel like you are really there. First it was The Dresden Files, now it is Vampire Empire. I hope he will also read the 3rd book as well.

Where does The Rift Walker rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the top.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Adele. I can't help it. She is very feminine and also very strong. Naive in some ways but she has been around politics all her life so she is savvy in some ways as well. Not to mention her stay in the Tower of London and her escape in the first book.

Have you listened to any of James Marsters’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, I've heard his other performances in the Dresden Files and also his Macbeth. All excellent but in many ways this is tougher than most because of the diversity of characters. He not only did both male and female voices, young and old, but also African, Persian, German, Indian, French,Japanese and several different types of British accents. This must have been the hardest for him to do but you would never know it while listening. Marsters is amazing.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did. I have an Orson Scott Card as well as Game of Thrones waiting in my library but I've been waiting for the Rift Walker and downed it all in one go. Now when is the King Makers coming out?

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed The Greyfriar and was concerned that the second book might not be as good as the first but as it turns out it has all the things I enjoyed the first time around but taken up a few notches. Adele is no fragile Princess waiting to be rescued by a knight on a white charger. She is strong, resourceful, highly resilient and smart enough to know when she needs some help. That masked man at her side is no faultless hero but someone driven to strive to be a better person, to champion the downtrodden and to serve as best he can to aide Adele.

In this book they travel far from the earlier settings of London and Alexandria and it was fun hearing the voices James Marsters came up with when they go the Mountains of the Moon in Africa. My God, he has an incredible range. From a female Persian to an African potentate he nails it every time.

This is my first time downloading an audiobook. I have always purchased hard copies. It was fun getting it instantly but what will I do when I want the book autographed?

The first Vampire Empire book took me a little while to get into, but after the first half, I ate it up. I was really excited to delve into this book, and it didn't quite live up to my excitement. It was obvious that this book was setting up for the final book in the trilogy.

I did like a few of the developments that happened in this segment and will absolutely keep reading to see what happens next.

Was a much better read than the first book. Characters are more defined and the plot thickens with chaos. Moments unravel, leaving the reader/ listening eager for more. Really enjoyed the 2nd book in this series. Always looking for another vampire novel with a new spin. The first book was a little slow, but this one throws you right into it.

greyfriar at this point really serves no purpose. What does he bring to the table? good-looks & charm? What I am trying to get across is the empress's stats over shadow greyfriar. They are no longer an even match. Ultimate weapon on side and tormented vampire on the other.

There are good points in this story. It is an excellent continuation of the first book. although, in the first book, the MCs were better balanced.

If you could sum up The Rift Walker in three words, what would they be?

excellently crafted story

What other book might you compare The Rift Walker to, and why?

not sure i could compare this book as most on the market try to sell vampires and really good but misunderstood creatures. this trilogy doesn't and its a refreshing change :)

Have you listened to any of James Marsters’s other performances? How does this one compare?

i really love listening to James Marsters, having listened to all the Jim Butcher books so actively looked for others read by him. the only thing i have to say about this particular reading is "James... chasm has a silent h in it.. so it sounds like kasm.. not chasm with a ch sound at the front.. i was shouting at you but you didn't listen"!

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Vampires are bad.. but American generals are worse

Any additional comments?

great book don't let me put you off. i really did enjoy it !

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

lynsey

Manchester, United Kingdom

4/13/13

Overall

"Bewitching and Enchanting."

This is the second part of the Vampire Empire series and it is as delightfully original as the first. Set in 2020, in a sort of steam punk version of a Victorian esque World ( its hard to describe the multi textured and multicultural World and do it any real justice) Its a tale of love, war, religion, politics, heroes and heroines, It shows the true good and pure evil and most levels in-between. You may not be a fan of vampire tales, but this outstanding work of creation is so much more than a vampire book for young adults, its rich and very rewarding to read and in audio it is beautifully narrated by James Marsters who is a delight to hear.( he is the narrator of Jim Butchers brilliant Dreasden flies ). I love these books and highly anticipate the next volume in this epic tale x

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

MRS

BAGSHOT, United Kingdom

3/17/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Chosen for the narrator..."

Bit of a Marsters fan after the Dresden books. Story and characters progressing well, would say as expected. clearly engaging as this was the second book I listened to and about to start the third.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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